INTERNET DATING

How online dating is killing commitment: Millions of women think love is just a click away. But easy-come, easy-go internet romance can ruin your chance of a lasting relationship

Her experiences are mirrored by many women, who find that internet dating is great if you want a casual fling, but not for anything longer lasting because there are so many dishonest men seeking cheap thrills.

Others admit that the sheer choice available online has made them too picky when it comes to finding a partner. 

Today, nine million Britons will log on to look for love. But is this a trend that could change the very nature of romance and turn long-term commitment into a thing of the past? Is the internet destroying monogamy?

'Internet dating left men and women on a never-ending hunt for the perfect partner, thinking: "A few more dates and I’ll find The One"'

 

There is striking evidence to suggest that the web is causing social change. Traditionally, women might have had one or two boyfriends before getting married; now, they are encouraged to date lots of people in a quest to find a perfect partner.

With an unlimited number of other people on offer via the internet, there’s little incentive to work it out if things get tough. And with the cloak of anonymity the net provides, it’s never been easier to be unfaithful.

Dan Winchester, founder of dating site Free Dating, predicts that the future will see lots of relationships, but more divorce.

‘I often wonder whether matching you up with great people is getting so efficient and the process so thrilling that marriage will become obsolete,’ he says.

It’s a view shared by Greg Blatt, global head of Match.com, Britain’s biggest dating site.

‘Historically, commitment has been the goal,’ he says. ‘You could say online dating is simply changing people’s ideas about whether commitment is desirable.’

With online dating being big business, it’s easy to see why the websites, many of which charge joining fees or monthly subscriptions, have a vested interest in not wanting people to settle down.

But the transient nature of internet dating is of huge concern to relationship experts. Agony aunt and Counsellor Dr Pam Spurr say there has been a change in people’s attitudes towards finding love.

She cautions that, despite its popularity, there’s a dark side to logging on to find love.

‘The internet has opened up this sense of “Where do I stop?” ’ she says. ‘In previous generations, people met a partner and accepted they wouldn’t be perfect in every aspect, but internet dating is like a chocolate box that never stops giving.